This blog is for Polk County Florida small farms and pesticide applicators as a method of communication and sharing information. This blog is administered by the University of Florida IFAS Extension Polk County Extension Agent, Mary Beth Henry.

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Wright's nutrush Workday and Canoe Trip Bonus!

Wright’s nutrush (Scleria lacustris) was recently added to FLEPPC’s Category I invasive plant list. Here’s your chance to see this plant up close and learn about different control methods. This invader has been located in a gorgeous marsh at the Disney Wilderness Preserve and we need your help controlling it. We will be in ankle to knee deep water, so wear something you don’t mind getting wet. Long sleeves and gardening gloves are highly recommended as this plant is a meanie and has no problem fighting back! But we can go canoeing afterwards too!

Scleria lacustris is an annual plant and is already starting to go to seed, so I would like to get it removed ASAP. The ideal date is Wednesday September 12th, but we could also have the workday on Tuesday September 18th. Please email me if you are interested and let me know which date(s) you are available.

We will meet at the Disney Wilderness Preserve office at 8:30 a.m. on and should be back to the office by 1 p.m. at the latest. Those interested can join us for a canoe trip around Lake Russell, one of the last lakes in central Florida with a completely undeveloped shoreline. The trip takes approximately 2 hours and is limited to the first 20 respondents. Please wear long pants and sleeves, a hat, closed toe shoes and bring a water bottle, sun screen, bug spray, snacks and a lunch if you plan on staying for the canoe trip. Contact Debi Tharp with any questions. Office address and contact information are located below.